Gary Jacobs Appointed to CHC: Creating Healthier Communities Board of Directors
Healthcare advocate and “Zen lobbyist” brings mindful leadership and decades of policy expertise to advance CHC’s mission.
ALEXANDRIA, Va., August 29, 2025 — CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (CHC) is proud to announce the appointment of Gary Jacobs, a seasoned healthcare advocate, entrepreneur, and author, to its National Board of Directors.
Jacobs brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare policy, systems reform, and civic leadership. His work blends bipartisan advocacy with a values-based approach to leadership, rooted in mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
“Gary brings a combination of deep policy expertise and compassionate, mission-driven leadership that truly strengthens CHC’s work in advancing community health,” said Arif Abu, CHC Board Chair. “His perspective and experience will be invaluable as we tackle complex health challenges and work to expand our impact nationwide.”
“Gary is more than a leader—he is a changemaker who pushes us to think bigger about what’s possible for community health,” said Jean Accius, President and CEO of CHC. “His voice and vision will help propel CHC’s mission forward, ensuring that together we not only confront today’s toughest health challenges but also close the gaps, whether in rural communities or wherever barriers stand in the way of opportunity, so that every person has the chance to live a healthier life.”
“I am honored to join CHC’s board and contribute to its transformative work,” said Gary Jacobs. “Together, we can advance a healthier future through purposeful leadership, strategic insight, and collaborative action.”
Gary Jacobs is a healthcare advocate, entrepreneur, and “Zen lobbyist” based in Washington, D.C., with decades of experience in healthcare entrepreneurship, public policy, and mindfulness-based leadership. Jacobs has been a leader in the movement away from transactional health care to patient centered value-based care. He has led initiatives to expand access to primary care, mental health, and wellness-centered systems.
Jacobs’s personal health journey inspired his shift from business to advocacy, blending yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices with policy work to drive meaningful healthcare reform. He is the author of The Zen Lobbyist: A Mindful Approach to Transforming Health Care, and advises leaders across sectors on policy, engagement, and mindfully driven strategy.
He currently serves as executive director of the VillageMD Center for Government Relations and Public Policy and has taught government relations at American University. Jacobs has also founded Village Medical at Home, delivering primary care services to high needs patients in their homes. Jacobs was a managing partner at PwC during the passage of the Affordable Care Act and was the firm’s Lead on Delivery system reform.
Jacobs is committed to advancing healthcare access, preventive care, and community health through innovative, compassionate leadership.
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About CHC: Creating Healthier Communities
CHC: Creating Healthier Communities exists so every person in every community has an opportunity to live their healthiest life. We address barriers to health by partnering with communities and mobilizing nonprofits, businesses and governments to create bold solutions, trusted programs and resilient communities. Learn more at chcimpact.org or @chcimpact.
Media Contact
Jordan Jennings
CHC: Creating Healthier Communities
571-429-4336
jjennings@chcimpact.org
